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US Judge Finds Israel’s NSO Group Liable for Hacking in WhatsApp Lawsuit

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A U.S. judge has ruled in favor of Meta Platforms’ WhatsApp in a lawsuit against Israel’s NSO Group, finding the company liable for exploiting a vulnerability in WhatsApp’s messaging app to install spyware, enabling unauthorized surveillance. U.S. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton of Oakland, California, granted WhatsApp’s motion and found NSO liable for hacking and breach of contract. The case will now proceed to trial, but only to determine the amount of damages.

WhatsApp’s head, Will Cathcart, hailed the ruling as a victory for privacy, stating that spyware companies could no longer hide behind immunity or avoid accountability for unlawful actions. A spokesperson for WhatsApp expressed their gratitude for the decision, reaffirming the company’s commitment to protecting users’ private communications.

Cybersecurity experts, including John Scott-Railton from Citizen Lab, welcomed the ruling as a landmark decision with significant consequences for the spyware industry. He noted that the ruling clarifies that NSO Group is responsible for violating numerous laws, as the company could no longer evade accountability for its actions.

WhatsApp sued NSO in 2019, accusing it of using a vulnerability to access WhatsApp’s servers and install Pegasus spyware on users’ devices. The lawsuit claimed the intrusion enabled the surveillance of 1,400 individuals, including journalists, human rights activists, and dissidents. NSO had defended itself by arguing that its technology was intended to help law enforcement and intelligence agencies combat crime and terrorism.

Despite this defense, NSO failed in its attempt to secure “conduct-based immunity,” which protects foreign officials acting in their official capacity. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the decision in 2021, and the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear NSO’s appeal, allowing the lawsuit to move forward.

Instagram to Dominate Meta’s U.S. Ad Revenue by 2025, Report Predicts

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Instagram is poised to generate over 50% of Meta Platforms’ U.S. advertising revenue in 2025, driven by its improved monetization strategies, according to research firm Emarketer.

Why It Matters

Instagram’s short-form video feature, Reels, has emerged as a key competitor to ByteDance’s TikTok and YouTube Shorts. As users increasingly engage with short videos, advertisers are shifting their focus to this format, providing Meta with an opportunity to boost revenue through more targeted ad placements.

The potential implementation of a TikTok ban in the U.S. could further accelerate Instagram’s growth. If enacted, platforms like Reels and YouTube Shorts are expected to attract advertising budgets previously allocated to TikTok, opening new revenue streams for Meta.

Key Insights

  • Video-First Platform: Jasmine Enberg, principal analyst at Emarketer, highlights that Instagram has transformed into a video-first platform. Users now dedicate nearly two-thirds of their time on Instagram to watching videos.
  • Reallocated Ad Budgets: Enberg also predicts that Instagram could capture over 20% of TikTok’s U.S. advertising dollars if the ban takes effect in 2025.

By the Numbers

  • In 2024, Instagram’s ad revenue was primarily driven by its Feed and Stories features, which accounted for 53.7% and 24.6% of its revenue, respectively.
  • By 2025, revenue generated by Reels, Explore, and Threads is expected to rise, collectively contributing 9.6% of Instagram’s total ad revenue.

Context

The shift toward video content aligns with broader trends in digital media, where short-form videos have proven highly effective in capturing audience attention. Reels’ growing popularity offers Instagram a competitive edge, particularly as regulatory uncertainties loom over TikTok.

 

Meta Introduces AI-Enhanced Backgrounds, HD Video Calls, and New Features for Messenger

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Meta Platforms has unveiled several new features for Messenger that aim to enhance the overall experience of both audio and video calls. These updates, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), include AI-generated custom backgrounds, HD video call support, and advanced audio features like background noise suppression and voice isolation. These improvements come as part of a broader initiative to make Messenger more dynamic and user-friendly, building on earlier additions like AI-generated themes introduced in September.

Among the standout new features is the introduction of HD video calls, which will provide users with clearer, higher-quality video during calls. By default, HD calls will be available when connected to Wi-Fi, but users can toggle the feature for use over cellular data as well. This marks a significant upgrade for users seeking a more refined video calling experience, especially for those using Messenger for work or important personal connections.

In addition to visual improvements, Meta has also rolled out advanced audio enhancements. The newly added voice isolation feature helps to separate a speaker’s voice from background noises, ensuring that the conversation remains clear and intelligible, even in noisy environments. Background noise suppression will further eliminate distractions from ambient sounds, making voice communication smoother and more focused. These features can be accessed through the call settings in the app, allowing users to customize their call quality.

One of the most creative additions to Messenger is the introduction of AI-powered backgrounds. Using Meta’s AI assistant, users can generate custom backgrounds during video calls based on simple text descriptions. This feature can be activated via the effects icon during a video call by selecting the “Backgrounds” option, allowing users to inject some fun or personal flair into their calls. Whether it’s for a professional meeting or a casual chat, these new features are designed to elevate the Messenger experience, making calls more engaging and effective.